TWENTY miles per hour areas in three communities are to be made permanent following successful trials.

A reduction in the speed limit on Lochbridge Road, in North Berwick; the Muirpark area of Tranent; and at Cockenzie’s Whin Park were part of an 18-month trial, which got under way in 2015.

Now, following discussions at East Lothian Council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, moves will be made to make the traffic orders permanent.

The news was welcomed by Isobel Robertson, of 20’s Plenty for East Lothian.

She told the Courier: “Three tenants’ and residents’ groups have now completed 18-month trials to have 20 miles per hour limits in their areas.

“The groups – Cockenzie West Tenants and Residents Group; Law Residents, North Berwick; and Muirpark and Steading View Tenants and Residents Association (Tranent) – all collected residents’ signatures to prove that 20 miles per hour limits were wanted and needed in their areas.

“20 miles per hour is a road safety tool which helps save lives, helps reduce the severity of an accident and makes for healthier, happier communities by reducing noise, fear (walking and cycling) and air pollution.”

Councillor Michael Veitch, the local authority’s spokesman for roads and transport, said: “I’m pleased that, following successful trials, we can now move ahead with the process to make permanent 20 miles per hour speed limits at Lochbridge Road, in North Berwick, the Muirpark area of Tranent, and at Whin Park in Cockenzie.”